Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Events –
The Holidays Are Always A Magical Time In The Santa Ynez Valley
Christmas in the Santa Ynez Valley! Oh, what fun!
Immortalized in films like A Very Charming Christmas Town, the holidays in the Santa Ynez Valley are filled with small-town holiday festivals, special winemaker dinners, and more.
The Santa Ynez Valley’s authentic Danish-American village a darling of so many lists of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns” in the world.
Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang
Holiday Events in the Santa Ynez Valley
November 29 – December 21 | Fridays and Saturdays 3:30 – 7:30 PM
Saddle up for A Cowboy Christmas, happening every Friday and Saturday from November 29 to December 21 at River View Park in Buellton! This enchanting holiday event brings together the magic of the North Pole with a playful cowboy twist. Families can dive into festive fun with pony rides, holiday crafts, interactive challenges, and a special Santa meet-and-greet—all beneath dazzling lights!
December 1 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Holiday Marketplace-California Nature Art Museum
Join the California Nature Art Museum, Solvang, for the 13th Annual Holiday Marketplace on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 10 AM – 4 PM. Enjoy free admission, unique nature-inspired gifts from local artisans, holiday treats, and a family-friendly papercraft activity from 10 AM – 12 PM, plus exclusive discounts for CalNAM members.
December 4, 11, 18 | 3 – 7 PM
Solvang Julefest Makers Market
Experience the charm of the Solvang Julefest Makers Market on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18, 3 PM to 7 PM at Solvang Park. Enjoy twinkling lights, unique gifts from local artisans, seasonal treats, and a festive, European-inspired Christmas market atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and celebration.
December 6 | 4 – 6 PM
Lucas & Lewellen
Christmas Open House
Join Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata in Solvang for a festive Christmas Open House on Friday, December 6, 2024, 4–6 PM, featuring Christmas wine tastings, holiday cheese and chocolate pairings, and special seasonal treats. Enjoy holiday music, a hot chocolate bar, and exclusive holiday pricing for a charming evening amid Solvang’s JuleFest celebrations.
December 6 | 5 PM
Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the holiday season at the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM in Solvang Park. Enjoy live entertainment, caroling, and a magical tree lighting at 6:30 PM, creating an enchanting holiday atmosphere perfect for family and friends.
December 6 – 22 | 5:30-8:30 PM
SYV Holiday Lights Festival
Experience holiday magic at the 3rd Annual SYV Holiday Lights Festival at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, Buellton, on weekends from December 6-22, 5:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy dazzling light displays, a holiday market, Santa photos, “snow,” seasonal treats, and more festive activities for all ages.
December 7 | 2 – 7 PM
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos
Celebrate an Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos on Saturday, December 7, 2024, 2 – 7 PM with festive open houses, a holiday market, gingerbread displays, kids’ activities, and live music. Enjoy the magic of snow, a tree lighting at 6 PM, and holiday treats, all set in the charming Santa Barbara Wine Country town.
December 7 | 11 AM
Join us for the Solvang Julefest Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM in downtown Solvang! Enjoy a lively celebration filled with dancers, holiday-themed floats, and marching bands, capturing the festive spirit and Danish “hygge” for all ages.
December 7 – 8 | 11 AM – 3:30 PM
Holiday Market at Sunstone Winery
Celebrate the season at Sunstone Winery’s second annual Holiday Market, Santa Ynez, on December 7th & 8th, with festive local vendors, holiday treats, and photos with Santa. Explore the European-inspired marketplace, contribute to a toy drive for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, and enjoy Sunstone’s exclusive wines in a scenic, French-style vineyard setting in the Santa Ynez Valley.
December 7, 14, 21 | 4 – 7 PM
Holiday Carolers Solvang Julefest
Join us for the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers at Solvang Julefest on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy the festive charm of carolers strolling through downtown Solvang, singing classic holiday tunes and filling the streets with seasonal joy for all ages.
December 8, 9 AM – 7 PM
Buellton Winterfest
Celebrate the holiday season at Buellton Winterfest on Sunday, December 8, 2024! Enjoy a Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 AM at the Rec Center, then head to River View Park from 4-7 PM for real snow, holiday shopping, live music, and a stunning Christmas Tree Lighting—perfect for festive family fun.
December 14 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Annual Maker’s Faire: Holiday Edition
Join us at Zaca Mesa Winery for the Annual Maker’s Faire: Holiday Edition on Saturday, December 14th, from 11 AM to 3 PM! Browse unique creations from local artisans and find perfect holiday gifts, all set in the heart of wine country.
January 3, 2024, 5 – 7 PM
Solvang Julefest Tree Burn
Close out the holiday season with an unforgettable tradition at the *Solvang Julefest Tree Burn*! Join the Solvang Village on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm in the Mission Parking Lot (1760 Mission Dr.) for this spectacular farewell to Julefest. Watch as the Christmas trees light up the night sky, creating a warm and mesmerizing glow that brings the community together for one last celebration of the season.
Where to Stay for the Holidays
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn:2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA | 805-688-7788
Get ready to feel right at home this holiday season with a special stay at our luxurious Wine Country Inn for a cozy, unforgettable getaway:
- Enjoy two nights in one of our beautifully appointed rooms, designed for ultimate comfort.
- Be greeted with a bottle of Fess Parker single vineyard red wine waiting for you in your room.
- Indulge in a sweet treat with a s’mores kit for two—perfect for roasting at our warm and inviting courtyard fire pits.
- Take home a touch of Wine Country magic with a monogrammed Fess Parker Wine Country Inn blanket, perfect for snuggling up at home.
- Experience the best of local wine with two tastings at Fess Parker Winery.
- Wander through the enchanting Epiphany Winter Wonderland Garden with a wine tasting for two.
Available for stays from November 15 through January 1, this delightful holiday package brings together the best of Wine Country for a festive escape.
SKYVIEW: 9150 US-HWY 101, Los Alamos, CA 93440 | (805) 344-0104
Hotel for the Holidays: stay package $150 credit to restaurant for dinner or brunch.
12/24, 12/25, or 12/31 *Cutoff Date of 12/20. Hotel Holiday Decor, Lighting and Colorful Trees
HOTEL YNEZ: 2644 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463 | (805)-697-5444
Winter Wonderland: Cookies and Hot Beverages Daily, Extensive Hotel Holiday Decor, Lighting and Trees.
Holiday Shopping
The Santa Ynez Valley is home to more than 200 independent and family-owned boutiques, each offering unique treasures that will make a perfect gift.
The local boutiques, artisans, galleries, farm stores, and more that will make your holiday shopping something to savor.
Martellotto Winery Bestsellers 6-Pack Sampler
This is a Bestseller’s 6pk at 47% OFF (saving $128.06) + FREE Shipping:
- 2 bottles of 2020 M by Martellotto Grenache Santa Barbara County
- 2 bottles of 2017 Martellotto “Melodeon” Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vnyd Santa Barbara County
- 2 bottles of 2021 Martellotto La Bomba Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Holiday Lights
See the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden’s Holiday Lights Festival , a stunningly beautiful display of holiday lights every weekend during the holiday season.
Tour downtown Solvang or Los Olivos, both decorating the streets with a holiday light display all through town. Don’t forget to visit the Christmas tree in Santa Ynez, the tallest in the region. Even the iconic windmill in downtown Solvang will be lit with holiday lights all season long.
Uniquely Santa Ynez Valley
Stroll the authentic Danish bakeries of Solvang. Whether in the mood for a light and delicate kringle or traditional holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies, Solvang’s bakeries always make the holidays sweet and delicious.
Speaking of gingerbread, a tour of the region’s gingerbread houses is a must. The annual display of gingerbread houses at St. Mark’s in the Valley is a can’t miss during Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas. Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery in Solvang brings holiday cheer each season with its famed gingerbread house, and the Chumash Casino Resort’s massive gingerbread house defies belief.
You can even do as the celebrities do and order your own custom gingerbread house from Solvang Bakery.
Community Clayworks 37 Industrial Way Suite 111, Buellton, CA 93427 | (805) 686-5416
This holiday season, add a creative twist to your festivities with our Pottery Workshops! Perfect for all skill levels, these hands-on sessions will let you craft unique, personalized pieces to take home or give as thoughtful gifts.
- Our ornament MAKING workshops will take place on December 7 & 8 from 3-5 PM.
- Ornament GLAZING workshop will take place on Dec 14th from 3-5 PM
- We are offering discounted holiday party pricing for groups of 10 or more from November 23rd – Dec 31.
Holiday Wine Tasting & Tours in Santa Ynez Valley 2024
Go on a wine walk in postcard-perfect Los Olivos, where its nearly three dozen tasting rooms are set in picturesque Victorian-style buildings lit up for the holidays.
Artisan Excursion Wine Tours – Sip, Savor, and Explore!
Discover the best of Solvang’s wine country with our fun and unforgettable wine tasting and vineyard tours! Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a great time with family and friends, we’ve got the perfect experience for you.
This winter, enjoy $10 off per person!
- – 2-3 people: $170 each
- – 4-5 people: $165 each
- – 6-7 people: $160 each
- – 8 people: $155 each
Our small group tours are all-inclusive and designed to give you the ultimate Santa Barbara wine adventure! Book now for a sip-tacular time!
From 12/12 – 12/15, Rock 12 Distillery will have a Christmas Pop-Up in the tasting room. Christmas themed cocktails, music and decor. Complimentary shot glasses for guests in holiday attire.
Same hours: Thurs 3-7 pm, Friday – Sunday 12 – 6 pm
Brick Barn Wine Estate holiday hours.
795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 | 805-686-1208
- Thanksgiving Day open 11-2pm
- Christmas Eve open 11-2pm
- Christmas Day closed
- New Year’s Eve open 11-5pm
- New Year’s Day open 11-7pm
Epiphany Cellars & The Bubble Shack 2974 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441, will be decorated as a winter wonderland for the month of December!
Eat This, Shoot That! Food & Wine Tours
We will be adding an additional tasting stop at High Roller Tiki Lounge during the holidays starting Nov 30 until Dec 31. (Guests will enjoy tastings at 10 stops as opposed to our usual 8-9 stops.) Email
Adventure
Amazing Scavenger Hunt in Solvang – holiday special!
Turn Solvang into a game board with family and friends. Solve puzzles, take on fun challenges, and uncover local history. Save 30% with code SolvangFun—just $34.30 for up to 5 players!
This 2-3 hour adventure is guided by your smartphone. Explore Solvang’s famous windmills, charming bakeries, and hidden gems. Discover the Mission grounds and enjoy a mix of history and fun!
Book today for a memorable holiday adventure! Fun, history, and excitement await!
2024 Christmas Holiday Dining
SOLVANG CHRISTMAS DINING, WINE and MORE
Craft House at the Corque – Christmas Eve: 11am-9pm ~ Regular Menu
Christmas Day: 12pm-8pm ~ Buffet
420 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 693-2258
Coast Range Restaurant & Vaquero Bar
1635 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 | (805) 624-5420
December Special Hours: Saturday/Sundays 9 am
Christmas Eve:k itchen close at 10pm, bar at 12am
Christmas Day: open at 12pm, kitchen and bar to tbd
Mad & Vin at The Landsby
1576 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA, 93463
805-688-3121
- 12/24 Christmas Eve:
Breakfast: 7:30am-11am
Bar: 4pm-9pm
Dinner: 5pm-9pm - 12/25 Christmas Day:
Brunch: 8am-2pm
Bar: 11am-9pm
Dinner: 5pm – 9pm
SOLVANG 2024
Whiskey n’ Rye 442 Atterdag Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 | (805) 688-4227
- Christmas Even: 11 AM to 7 PM
- Christmas Day: CLOSED
- New Year’s Eve: 12 PM to 9 PM *Kitchen Closes at 8:30 PM (Regular Hours)
- New Year’s Day: 12 PM to 9 PM *Kitchen Closes at 8:30 PM (Regular Hours)
*** Please Note:
Always check status of events and all event updates prior to making travel plans.
SOLVANG CHRISTMAS DINING, WINE and MORE
Craft House at the Corque – Christmas Eve: 11am-9pm ~ Regular Menu
Christmas Day: 12pm-8pm ~ Buffet
420 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 693-2258
Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang
Check Back for more information as it becomes available.
Restaurants and Wineries Open for New Year’s holidays
Find a list of what restaurants and wineries will be open for Christmas and New Years, and which restaurants offer special holiday menus. For the best experience, we highly recommend calling the restaurants and tasting rooms ahead of time to ensure they still have seating availability.
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